Since the release of CD-based consoles, the video game industry has flourished. These days, the gaming sector is worth more than the film and music industries combined. As technology continues to improve, games are increasingly available on a range of devices, which helps reach more people and create greater monetizing opportunities.
Another way games can attract a wider audience is to use celebrity voices for characters. A familiar voice often sparks interest and makes players guess where they recognize the actor from. Some video game characters even resemble the appearance of their voice actor. By using these techniques, developers can hold the attention of players for longer and entice fans who like the celebrities.
9 The Fable 3 Cast Includes Some Of The Most Prestigious Actors
Lionhead Studios gave the world Fable in 2004, which developed into a beloved franchise. Fable III was released in 2010 for Xbox 360 and PC and featured an impressive lineup of voice actors. One of the main characters is Jasper, the hero's butler, who's voiced by John Cleese.
Stephen Fry plays businessman and marksman, Reaver, who first appeared in the second game in the series. Fable III also featured the talented voices of Naomie Harris, Simon Pegg, Nicholas Hoult, and Ben Kingsley. Michael Fassbender, who is known for his role as Erik Lensherr in X-Men: First Class, plays the part of Elliot in the game. Harry Potter's Madam Hooch, Zoë Wanamaker, is also the voice behind Theresa – a recurring character from the Fable series.
8 Recurring Characters In The Gears Of War Series Are Played By Experienced Voice Actors
The Gears Of War franchise began in 2006 with titles still being released. The gory sci-fi shooter has gained a huge fan base because of its gripping plot and addictive multiplayer modes. Recurring characters from the series are portrayed by some of the most talented voice actors.
Futurama and Adventure Time star, John Dimaggio voices Marcus Fenix. Fred Tatasciore, who is known for voicing some of the Looney Tunes characters, portrays Baird. Carlos Ferro and Robin Atkin Downes are no strangers to the video game industry as Ferro plays Dominic while Downes portrays Kim. American footballer turned actor, Lester Speight, plays Cole.
7 Zombies In The Call of Duty: Black Ops Series Features Some Big Names
Throughout the series, big names have been cast to voice the protagonists in various zombie maps. Call of Duty: Black Ops features "Call Of The Dead," which is set on a cold Siberian island. This map features Danny Trejo, Michael Rooker, Robert Englund, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer's, Sarah Michelle Gellar.
"Mob Of The Dead" in Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2 is a level set in Alcatraz prison. Gamers play as one of four tough-guy characters. This bad-boy cast consists of Ray Liotta, Chazz Palminteri, Michael Madsen, and Joe Pantoliano. More recently, Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 featured the voices of Brian Blessed and Helena Bonham Carter in the map, "Dead Of The Night," which takes place in an old English mansion.
6 Saints Row IV Has A Few Surprising Appearances
The fourth title from the series, which was released in 2013, is arguably the best from the franchise. Most of the game is set in the simulated city of Steelport and takes place during an alien invasion. Gamers play as the leader of The Saints gang, who has superpowers and happens to be the US president. Keith David plays himself and is the vice president.
Animated sitcom and video game voice actor, Nolan North, has his own voice option when players are customizing their character. Players can also choose renowned voice actor, Troy Baker to voice the protagonist. Terry Crews is the voice behind Benjamin King, the leader of Vice Kings. Voice actress, Laura Bailey, has portrayed characters from games such as The Last Of Us: Part II, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and Spider-Man. She is also the female voice 1 option in Saints Row IV.
5 The Simpsons Hit & Run Features The Famous Cast From The Show
The world's most famous animated sitcom teamed up with developers, Radical Entertainment, in 2003 and released an immersive open-world adventure game. The already successful TV show gained a larger fan base after selling over three million copies of The Simpsons: Hit & Run. The cast has become famous thanks to the show's global popularity and their diverse vocal talents.
The game features most of the sitcom's voice actors, including Nancy Cartwright as Bart and Yeardley Smith as Lisa. Dan Castellana and Hank Azaria play the parts of Homer and Moe, as well as other familiar faces. Mr. Burns and Ned Flanders are also featured in the game and are voiced by Harry Shearer. Julie Kavner is the original voice behind Marge Simpson and heard in the game.
4 The Cast Of True Crime: Streets Of LA Made The Game Better
In 2003, True Crime: Streets Of LA was released, which also marked the start of the series. Gamers play as Nick Kang, an arrogant cop who fights crime with guns, melee weapons, and kung-fu. The open-world crimefighting game features a captivating storyline and celebrity voiceovers.
Nick Kang is portrayed by American actor, Russell Wong, while Gary Oldman plays Kang's archenemy, Rocky. Fast and Furious star, Michelle Rodriguez, provides a voice for Rosie Velasco. Don Rafferty is an old friend of the protagonist's deceased father and is played by Michael Madson. George is a cop who works with Kang and also narrates parts of the game. He is voiced by none other than Christopher Walken.
3 Skate 3 Features The Voices Of Famous Skaters
EA's Skate franchise began in 2007 and the series changed the way skateboarding games are played. The controls are uniquely different from other successful titles in the genre, such as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. Instead, Skate focuses more on realistically simulating tricks with the analog sticks, rather than button bashing to achieve humanly-impossible combos.
Skate 3 came out back in 2010. Like its predecessors, the title features animated versions of professional skaters. Famous skaters who voice themselves in the game include Dennis Busenitz, Mark Appleyard, and Danny Way, who impressed the world by airing over the great wall of china on a skateboard. My Name Is Earl star, Jason Lee, is also featured in the game. Lee voices Coach Frank, who teaches players how to skate and execute tricks.
2 God Of War Has A Talented Cast That Enhance The Game
The God Of War franchise is one of the biggest to reach PlayStation consoles. The first game from the original trilogy and was set during Greek mythology times. The latest game from the series was released in 2018 and is also entitled God Of War. This sequel takes place in the Norse mythology era where fans are introduced to Kratos' son, Atreus.
The main duo consists of Christopher Judge as Kratos and Sunny Suljic as Atreus. Child actor, Suljic has worked with the likes of Nicole Kidman, Jack Black, and Jonah Hill, while Judge is best known for playing Teal'c in the TV show, Stargate SG-1. God Of War also includes actors Alistair Duncan, Danielle Bisutti, and Adam J. Harrington. Jeremy Davies plays the antagonist, Baldur, also known as "The Stranger."
1 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Has Plenty Of A-Listers
The Grand Theft Auto franchise is over 20 years old, and Rockstar often invites famous people to voice some of their characters. The game developers have worked with the likes of Burt Reynolds, Danny Dyer, and Dennis Hopper on previous GTA titles. Phil Collins even appeared as himself once, as did comedians Ricky Gervais and Frankie Boyle.
GTA: San Andreas is the game with the most versatile cast from the series. Officer Frank Tenpenny is voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, while his partner, Eddie Pulaski is voiced by Chris Penn. Other characters in the game are portrayed by James Woods, David Cross, and Yolanda 'Yo Yo' Whittaker. Rappers Ice T and The Game also lent their voices to the release.